Famous quote by Barry Mann

"We lived, ate, and breathed pop songs"

About this Quote

Barry Mann’s statement, “We lived, ate, and breathed pop songs,” vividly captures the all-encompassing role that music, specifically pop songwriting, played in his life. The phrase constructs an image of total immersion, going far beyond mere profession or occasional pastime. To “live” pop songs means that the fabric of each day, each meaningful moment, is interwoven with the rhythms, melodies, and narratives of music. Songwriting and the culture surrounding it define his existence, shaping not just what he does, but who he is.

The next aspect, “ate,” implies nourishment, pop songs are not just entertainment or background noise, but sustenance that feeds the soul and mind. This imagery suggests that creating and consuming music is as essential and routine as daily meals, indicating dependence and necessity. It’s a reflection of how music becomes inseparable from the songwriter’s life, providing creative energy, emotional support, and even comfort.

To “breathe” pop songs elevates the sentiment to a matter of survival. Breathing is an unconscious, vital process, and by equating the act of songwriting and experiencing music to breathing, Mann implies that it is as involuntary and vital as the air itself. It speaks to music’s omnipresence in his thoughts and feelings, permeating every aspect of awareness. It points to an environment, likely the legendary Brill Building scene, where songwriters were surrounded by like-minded peers, each contributing to a relentless, collective creativity.

The collective use of “we” suggests this was a shared experience among a community of craftsmen, where collaboration, competition, and inspiration pushed individuals to their limits. The lifestyle described is not glamorous in a superficial sense, but incredibly intense, dedicated, and passionate. For Mann and his contemporaries, there was no separation between professional vocation and personal passion, pop music was truly the air they breathed and the sustenance they required to thrive.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from Barry Mann somewhere between February 9, 1939 and today. He/she was a famous Musician from USA. The author also have 27 other quotes.
See more from Barry Mann

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